Gingrich Receives Heroes of Hope Award from ALS Association

The ALS Association honored state Rep. Mauree Gingrich with its Heroes of Hope Award on Tuesday for her support and compassion for ALS families in Pennsylvania.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Approximately 5,600 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year. Once diagnosed, the life expectancy for ALS victims is two to five years.

People afflicted with ALS, their family members and caregivers gathered at the state Capitol, where they honored Gingrich for her dedication and support for funding of ALS patient care services. Sarah Brendle, a mother of three who was diagnosed with ALS nearly five years ago, and her 11-year-old son, Dillon, presented the award to Gingrich.

Gingrich, a Lebanon County Republican, co-sponsored House Resolution 761, which designates May as ALS Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The resolution won unanimous approval Tuesday in the House.